Monster Hunter – Film Review

Posted on June 20, 2021 by ashleymanningwriter

Director: Paul W. S. Anderson

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Tony Jaa and Ron Perlman

Rating: 1/5

Director Paul W. S. Anderson is back again with another video game adaptation. This time it’s the much-loved Monster Hunter series that he is bringing to the big screen. Hopes are high as the Resident Evil films turned out to be quite decent and he has previously described Monster Hunter as a ‘passion project’. I must admit that I don’t know much about the game series. I’ve played bits and pieces but not much and don’t have a decent understanding of the franchise. That being said, I don’t think it matters too much in this case. Monster Hunter is a very hollow film and can be understood by itself without any additional information.

With the opening shot we are in The New World and given hope that this is going to be a fantastical and adventurous fantasy. A ship travelling across the dessert, is attacked by a giant monster, which we later find out is called a Diablos. Any hope that this was going to be entertaining is quickly dashed as the action is blurred with an uncountable number of quick cuts with the camera not staying still long enough to fully grasp what is going on. It’s an outright attack on your eyes.

We then switch to The Real World, to find a group of soldiers, led by Artemis (Millia Jovovich, who previously starred in Anderson’s infinitely better Resident Evil films). They are searching for a lost team and they themselves end up lost; transported to The New World through a storm. Very quickly the entire team is killed, apart from Artemis, who can bring herself back from the dead after being left with no pulse and then just waking up moments later. It’s set up early that Artemis is indestructible and can survive anything, from being pummelled by monsters to barely having anything to drink or eat for 2 days and still functioning pretty normally, while surviving in a dessert. Artemis is joined by a Hunter, and they work together to try to survive and hunt monsters.

This film is an absolute train-wreck of a disaster. It’s incredibly boring, to the point that it feels twice the length of the supposed run time. The acting is poor throughout with some of the worst dialogue you could possibly imagine. Over half the run time is spent in a dessert which is boring and bland visually, especially when compared to the forest they end up at later. The characters, at least the 2 that survive past the opening bloodbath, are paper thin and do nothing to keep your attention. The more interesting characters, including a chef cat, that appear later are barely on screen. Why do we spend so much time in the desert and then no time at all with anything interesting? The opening of this film raises so much hope of imagination and adventure and then it’s followed with the most boring action set pieces possible.

To give credit where it is due the CGI is incredibly good. There aren’t any eye sores in the entire film and the monsters look photo realistic. It’s just a shame that the monster fights are lacklustre and dull to watch. There is also a sequence with a spider-like creature that has laid its eggs in one of the soldiers towards the beginning, that can stand up to any vomit-inducing scenes from any horror

Other than that, there are no positives. The acting is awful, the dialogue is bad, the pacing is no where to be seen. At one point you think it’s over and then it carries on for another 20 minutes and anger starts to rise that the film is still continuing. So at least the film can illicit an emotion, even if it is anger at the run-time. It even has the arrogance to set up a sequel in its final scene. So far it hasn’t made its budget back at the box-office and hopefully that means there won’t be a second one. It’s proof that there is no justice in the world when this is being shown in cinemas and yet we have to settle for Luca on Disney Plus and on the same day, at least in the UK. 

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Luca – Film Review

Posted on June 19, 2021 by ashleymanningwriter

Director: Enrico Casarosa 

Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Marco Barricelli and Maya Rudolph

Rating: ★★★½

It’s hard to comprehend and come to terms with the new Pixar film coming exclusively to Disney Plus. Soul was a nice surprise for Christmas, but I don’t think anyone was expecting the next film to come to Disney Plus, with just a very limited cinema release. That’s just the world we live in now, where streaming rules supreme.

Luca is a young sea-monster who yearns of the world beyond his confined routine. It’s a typical Disney/Pixar set up and one that still hasn’t gotten old. One day, when following another sea monster called Alberto, Luca stumbles across the surface and finds that he can turn human on land. Together they explore the new world above the sea. That is until Luca’s parents discover his secret and the two best friends end up running away.

Firstly, it cannot be stressed enough that this is a beautiful film. The colours are gorgeous and vibrant. Pixar has an extremely high standard when it comes to animation, and they haven’t let themselves down with Luca. It is simply stunning to watch. You can almost feel the heat coming off the screen, and it makes you feel like you’re on holiday. It’s a real shame that this isn’t getting a wide release in cinemas, as the visuals beg to be watched on the big screen.

It’s a lot more intimate and small scale compared to other Pixar films. It’s a coming of age tale, that would feel at home among Studio Ghibli films. It’s charming to watch and entertaining. Instead of there being grand stakes, Luca centres around a race in a small Italian coastal town. The villain, Ercole Visconti is a bully and someone you can’t wait to watch be defeated in the race. If Luca, Alberta and their new human companion Giulia can beat him, then the two sea monsters will have enough money to buy a Vespa and be free to continue there adventure of exploration.

Luca is a film that deals with some tough themes. It’s about people not belonging, the fear that comes with parenthood of children not being safe and it looks at the way people judge others by generalisations. This is all very evident in the film, but it never actually tackles these head on. The resolution comes very quickly and without much conflict. That’s not always a bad thing, but it could have been an incredibly powerful film about acceptance and not judging others by their race, religion or any other descriptive that separates us. It just doesn’t reach the heights that other Pixar films have done.

That being said, the film is very entertaining and that’s what matters most. It’s funny and charming, with a whole collection of brilliant characters. Some of which I’m sure will become icons of Pixar in future years. This is something the whole family can watch together and has enough laughs and silliness for children while also having the more developed characters that Pixar is so well known for.

Luca is definitely not the strongest of Pixar’s output, but it’s not a bad film by any stretch. It’s fun to watch, and adults and children alike will have a great time, bathing in the beauty of coastal Italy. And as I mentioned there’s even parts that feel like a Ghibli film, with the Italian and small town setting. It’s charming and an enjoyable film, it’s just not going to stand tall among some of Pixar’s earlier films.

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In the Earth – Film Review

Posted on June 18, 2021 by ashleymanningwriter

Director: Ben Wheatley

Starring: Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Hayley Squires and Reece Shearsmith

Rating: ★★★★

Just before the pandemic happened, Ben Wheatley was set to direct the sequel to 2018’s Tomb Raider. As with everybody’s plans, thanks to Covid, this fell through. While in lockdown he started writing and one of things that came out of that was the script to In The Earth. Quickly filmed and after being shown at festivals finally has a UK cinema release.

In The Earth follows Martin Lowery, played by Joel Fry, as he travels to a camp in the middle of a forest as part of a research project to increase the efficiency of growing crops. The beginning feels all too real and familiar as Martin has to be quarantined, sanitised and tested before he can enter the forest. Met at the door of a once busy tourist resort by face mask wearing men who spray him and complete tests before allowing him to continue. Two years ago, this would have felt almost post-apocalyptic, now it feels normal. Martin is guided through the forest by ranger Alma, played by Ellora Torchia. they eventually run into Zack, Reece Shearsmith, who at first appears to help them.

Straight from the opening shot, In The Earth, is an attack on your senses. It starts with rocks being smashed, with each crash echoes out and rings through you. The sound design is incredible. Even before the film takes it’s more abstract approach to horror the sounds of the birds ravage your ears. It never lets you feel safe. This mixed with the striking visuals and abstract hallucination sequences will leave you exhausted by the time the credits roll around. It’s visceral and you can almost taste forest air. The film even comes with a photosensitive epilepsy warning, and it needs one. It could probably do with a noise warning as well. It’s loud and the later half of this film is almost a rave, with how brutal the flashing lights and pulsing sounds are.

Reece Shearsmith is fantastic as Zack. While his humour is still evident, he plays a very sinister character who has a haunting presence on screen. He is genuinely scary and the dark and deadpan humour is often lost in the creeping terror that is Zack. He quickly turns on Martin and Alma and the section at his camp is the most horrific.

In the Earth is unsettling and frightening. From the beginning you can feel that something is off, and as you go further on the journey nothing is safe. There almost isn’t a moment in the film where you feel that the characters aren’t in immediate danger. The moment it turns bad it stays bad. When Martin and Alma get to their destination, for a moment you feel that you can relax and take a breath again, but it doesn’t last long. The events from earlier start echoing and the tension starts to build again.

The body horror is stomach churning. From deep gouges to chopped toes, this will make your feet curl and your eyes wince. There’s not an overwhelming amount, but when it happens, it gruesome and sickening.

The only real issue with the film is the characters. Throughout you don’t learn enough about Martin. His history is told through snippets, but you won’t feel like you really know him. If the film gave you more to care about with his character, then the horror towards the end would be effective. As it stands, he is a placeholder for you to transit into this world.

In The Earth is a pretty great film. It’s a less trippy, more British version of Alex Garland’s Annihilation from 2018. If you liked that, then you are in very safe hands with Ben Wheatley as he returns to the type of horror films he’s well known for. It’s tense and there is a growing sense of dread that envelops you and drags you into the world of the film. Definitely not one for the faint of heart.

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Top Five Films in UK cinema’s since they’ve re-opened

Posted on June 17, 2021 by ashleymanningwriter

May 17th, the fated day when we were finally allowed back to the cinema in the UK. The month since has passed quickly, and I wanted to mark the occasion with the top 5 films that I’ve seen in the cinema. Between you and me, it was the 19th when I got to visit for the first time as Cineworld didn’t reopen its doors until then and I have an Unlimited card, so I can see as many films as I want. Since the doors to the big screen reopened, I’ve seen a total of 15 films, through back-to-back screenings and often nightly outings. What else am I supposed to do? 

First I want to give an honourable mention to Scott Pilgrilm (See yesterday’s post for my review). It was released as a special 10th anniversary screening. I’m not going to include this in my list. It’s one of my favourite films. I loved the comics as they were coming out, eagerly awaiting each release. I saw it way back when it was first released at the earliest screening possible. I loved it then and I still love it now.

Before we get to the main list, I also want to mention the worst film I’ve seen, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. A terrible blockbuster comedy that is void of laughter and reeks as a cash-grab sequel to an ok film. A stellar cast, but not much more.

And now,

Number 5 – A Quiet Place part 2

I didn’t think much to the first Quiet Place when it came out. There were a few moments that took me out of the suspense and I couldn’t get back into it. The second one was quite a surprise when I saw it, and it’s miles better than the first one. It’s scary, well paced and has some great performances. Hopefully the next one lives up to this great film.

You can read my original review here: https://ashleymanning.com/2021/06/01/a-quiet-place-part-ii-review/



Number 4 – Dream Horse

I didn’t have high hopes for Dream Horse when I first saw the trailer. It’s not something that would usually appeal to me. My wife, Tabby, wanted to see it and we ended up going. I was surprised. It’s a really heartfelt film, with some laughs and a true underdog tale. It’s gripping and all the way through I rooting for Dream Alliance. A great feel-good film.

You can read my whole review here: https://ashleymanning.com/2021/06/05/dream-horse-film-review/

Number 3 – Cruella

Something about Disney films makes me have to see them as soon as possible. Even though I haven’t enjoyed most of the live-action remakes/re-imaginings, I still end up seeing them as soon as possible. The first film I saw with my Unlimited card was actually The Jungle Book from 2016. Something told me that Cruella would be different and I couldn’t be happier to confirm that it is. Emma Stone is superb in the film and the soundtrack is one of the best. There are so many of my favourites songs, essentially just lined up, with needle drop after needle drop. It’s funny, stylish and entertaining as hell, what more could you want?

Read my whole review here: https://ashleymanning.com/2021/06/02/cruella-movie-review/



Number 2 – In the Heights

I haven’t seen many musicals, especially classic ones. I do end up enjoying most of the ones I’ve seen and it’s one of my goals to seek out the great ones, so if you have any recommendations please let me know. So far there’s only one bad one that I’ve seen and that’s the lifeless ‘The Last Five Years’. I knew from the second I first saw the trailer that I was going to love In the Heights. It looked full of personality, great music and mesmerising dancing. I could tell it was going to be an emotional ride and it turned out to be all that and more. I can’t recommend this enough. It is the film of the summer, for sure.

Read my whole review Here: https://ashleymanning.com/2021/06/12/in-the-heights-film-review/

Number 1 – Judas and the Black Messiah

The first film that I got to see on the big screen, and it is definitely the best film that I’ve seen in cinema since they reopened. This film tells the story of Black Panther, Fred Hampton, who was assassinated as part of an FBI investigation into the Panthers, this is one hell of a powerful film. It’s a story I didn’t know anything about and I’ve since looked into it more. It’s a must see film, and if you only see one on this list, then it must be this one. Daniel Kaluuya won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Fred Hampton and it couldn’t be more deserved. It’s a heart breaking story that is expertly directed and every performance is amazing. Combine it with last year’s overlooked Seberg to really see how messed up the FBI’s history in America is, especially in the 1960s.

So there’s my top films from the last month, that have been in UK cinemas. I obviously haven’t seen every film, and a few that I wanted to see weren’t even released near me. Have you been to the cinema at all? What did you see and what would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading and until next time,

Ashley

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Scott Pilgrim Vs the World (10th Anniversary edition) – Film Review

Posted on June 16, 2021 by ashleymanningwriter

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Alison Pill and Jason Schwartzman

Rating: ★★★★★

Scott Pilgrim is currently celebrating a delayed 10th Anniversary. It was close to perfection when it first came out back in 2010 and it’s still just as close to perfect in 2021. Way back when Scott Pilgrim first came out, comic book movies weren’t cool. Avengers was yet to come out. The Marvel cinematic universe only had 3 films out, Iron Man (1 & 2) and The Incredible Hulk.  The world didn’t know that in less than a decade the biggest films in the world would be superhero films. It wasn’t a surprise at the time that it passed under most people’s radars and made a huge loss at the box office. Regardless of financial success, nothing like Scott Pilgrim had ever been done before and nothing has quite reached it since, in terms of re-creating the style of a comic. It’s great to see that over the last almost 11 years, people have discovered Scott Pilgrim and it has quickly been re-evaluated as a modern classic.

Based on the series of graphic novels by Brian Lee O’Malley, Scott Pilgrim Vs the World, blends the worlds of pop culture, video games, music and comics together to tell the story of the title character, played by Michael Cera, and his relationship with Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. So they can continue dating, Scott must defeat the league of evil exes who want to control the future of Ramona’s love life. Directed by Edgar Wright with a screenplay co-written by Wright and Michael Becall, this film captures everything that is great about the comic and presents it in one of the most stunning films ever made.

It is strange, funny and full of personality. Straight from the opening titles it’s loud and in your face. It has recently been remastered into 4K and shown again in cinemas, with a 4K Blu Ray release right around the corner, and it couldn’t look or sound much better. It’s hard to imagine that you can improve on such a recent film, but the whole thing is so crisp and stunning. The bright colours jump of the screen and the sound pops out of the speakers.

It’s during the opening titles that you will notice how many people are in this film, who have gone to become big stars in the last decade. Chris Evans and Brie Larson would both go on to become superheroes in the MCU. There’s Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Pill, Brandon Routh alongside Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. It’s hard to imagine that when this film first came out, I didn’t know who most of these people were, and yet over the last decade I’ve seen them pop up in some many movies and TV shows.

Every scene of this film is perfection and every shot is amazing. You could pause it at almost any point and there is a poster. It’s stylish, full of nods to pop culture, especially games. The visuals of this film are simply stunning. The way it adapts a comic on screen, using panels and words on screen is brilliant. The whole thing flies by, without a dull second throughout its almost 2 hour run time. It is one of the best films ever made.

The music is excellent, with most of the film revolving around Sex Bob-Omb, Scott’s band as they try to make it through Battle of the Bands to get a record deal. The music is great, with a soundtrack that you will want to listen to for a long time after the film has ended. One of the best things about the music, is that the actors learnt to play their instruments, so there isn’t that strange miming thing that you see in most films, where you can tell straight away that they aren’t actually playing the music. It looks real, feels raw and sounds awesome.  

If you haven’t seen Scott Pilgrim, then now is the time. It has never looked better and you will be in for one hell of a treat. It’s a story about moving on from your past, having confidence in yourself and the time in your early 20s where you don’t know what life has in store for you. It’s incredibly funny, with consistent jokes that always land. It’s full of relatable characters who you will fall in love with. I can’t recommend this film enough, and if you have already seen it, watch it again. It is also worth reading the comics, if you haven’t already, they are also excellent in their own right. 

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